21

Damian had always been an observant man. He noticed everything—every flicker of an expression, every hesitation, every slip of the mask people wore.

And Serena?

She was slipping.

The more he watched her, the more he felt it—something wasn't right.

Her reactions, her careful words, the way she had desperately drank water the night of the incident… It didn't add up. It was as if her very existence bent the laws of nature, like she was something more than what she claimed to be.

And that unsettled him.

Now, as he adjusted his cufflinks, Damian glanced at the closed door of Serena's room. They had been given separate suites in the penthouse, an arrangement she had insisted on. Normally, he wouldn't have cared. But today, he found himself irritated by it.

Tonight, they had been invited to a prestigious event aboard a cruise ship, an event hosted by Serena's own company.

She was launching her new makeup brand, an exclusive luxury line that was already creating waves in the industry.

Of course, she had to get ready early—she was the host, after all. She had to oversee the final preparations, welcome the guests, and handle the media.

But Damian?

He had his own reasons for attending.

Not just because he was her husband and business partner in the public eye. No. Tonight, he would watch her even more closely. If she truly had secrets, he would find .

——-

Inside her suite, Serena stood in front of the mirror as her stylists finished the last touches of her look.

Her dress was an elegant navy-blue gown, its fabric shimmering under the light like the ocean at midnight. Delicate crystals were scattered along the sleeves, reflecting light with every movement.

She looked perfect—untouchable.

And yet, she didn't feel at ease.

As the stylist adjusted her hair, Serena's fingers brushed over the black diamond ring on her hand.

Ever since she had put it on, she had felt strange. As if the ring itself was whispering something to her, calling to something deep within her blood.

And last night…

She clenched her jaw.

She had made a mistake.

Not manipulating the cameras. Not covering her tracks properly. And now, Damian was watching her more than ever.

She could feel it in the way he looked at her. The doubt in his gaze. The calculated silence.

And she hated it.

Serena was used to being in control, used to being the one pulling the strings. But with Damian… she wasn't sure who was playing who anymore.

"He's getting too close."

She let out a slow breath, smoothing out her gown.

It didn't matter.

——-

As they sat in the car, Serena was silent—an unusual thing for her.

Damian tapped his fingers against his knee, his irritation growing.

That woman never stopped talking. Always had a sharp remark, always had something to say.

And now?

Now, she was silent.

And he didn't understand why it irritated him so much.

The drive to the seaport was quiet, the tension in the car thick. Outside, the city lights blurred past, but his attention remained on Serena, who sat beside him, staring out the window with an unreadable expression.

By the time they arrived at the private cruise terminal, the place was already bustling with activity.

Luxury cars lined the entrance, high-profile guests stepping out in their finest attire. The media was everywhere, reporters crowding around the celebrities, business tycoons, and elite guests attending the event.

The moment their car stopped, the flashing of cameras began.

Damian stepped out first, adjusting the cuffs of his suit, exuding power and control. He turned and extended his hand to Serena.

She hesitated for a fraction of a second before placing her delicate fingers in his palm.

The moment she stepped out, the cameras focused on her, reporters calling out her name.

"Mrs. Voss! Over here!"

"Serena, tell us about your new product line!"

"How does it feel to launch your brand during your honeymoon?"

She smiled, every inch the poised and confident businesswoman.

"This brand is something I've worked hard on for years," Serena answered smoothly. "It's a reflection of timeless beauty, crafted with luxury in mind. I believe every woman should feel powerful in her own skin."

Damian watched her closely. She was good at this.

Effortless. Charming. A woman who knew exactly what to say, when to smile, how to control a crowd.

——

The night was in full swing, the luxury cruise bathed in golden lights as it sailed smoothly over the vast ocean. The scent of salt and champagne filled the air, blending with the soft laughter and chatter of the wealthy elite.

As the hostess of the night, Serena moved with effortless grace, mingling with the guests, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Every detail had to be perfect—the lighting, the music, the drinks. This was her night, her event, and she would settle for nothing less than excellence.

Damian, ever the perfect businessman, played his part beside her, exuding power and control as he shook hands with influential figures. But unlike Serena, who was focused on the event, Damian's sharp gaze never left her for long.

People danced in pairs, their laughter blending with the soft hum of conversation. Waiters glided across the deck, offering champagne and exquisite cocktails. The DJ adjusted the music, shifting to something softer, more intimate.

A toast was raised in honor of the couple.

"To Serena and Damian Voss—may this new chapter bring success and happiness!"

Glasses clinked, the sound echoing in the open air.

Then the DJ's voice rang out through the speakers.

"And now, it's time for our lovely couple to join us on the dance floor!"

Applause followed, guests eagerly watching them.

Serena tensed for a split second but covered it with a polite smile.

Damian smirked. "It seems we have no choice, wife."

He extended his hand, and with all eyes on them, Serena took it.

The music shifted into a soft, seductive melody, a song meant to bring lovers closer.

Damian's arm wrapped around Serena's waist, pulling her in, while his other hand held hers. The warmth of his touch sent a strange shiver through her, but she ignored it.

As they swayed, Serena kept her gaze averted, focusing on anything but the man in front of her.

Damian, on the other hand, was watching her.

His gaze burned into her, penetrating, analyzing, as if trying to unearth the secrets she so carefully hid.

"You're tense, Serena," he murmured, his breath brushing against her ear.

She scoffed lightly. "And you're staring, Damian."

His grip on her waist tightened slightly. "Hard not to when my wife is acting like she'd rather be anywhere else but in my arms."

Serena finally met his gaze, a knowing smirk on her lips. "Oh, don't flatter yourself, darling. I'm simply ensuring the success of my event."

Damian chuckled darkly. "Of course you are."

They continued to sway, their movements slow, deliberate. The world around them faded, but neither would admit it.

The tension was palpable.

——-

The music was still playing, people were still laughing, but then—chaos.

The cruise suddenly lurched, sending glasses crashing to the floor. Screams erupted as the waves grew monstrous, slamming against the ship with unnatural force.

Serena's body went stiff. Something was wrong.

Then—a gunshot.

A sharp, piercing noise shattered the laughter, followed by more screams.

An intruder.

Damian's senses sharpened instantly as his eyes locked onto the man. But this wasn't just any assassin—he was supernatural.

The lights flickered, then went out entirely.

Damian's vampiric sight cut through the darkness. He could see the intruder, a man with a sinister smirk, shooting guests without hesitation.

The ship tilted again, and that's when Damian saw her.

Serena stood still in the darkness, but Damian could sense it—the way her body was completely aware, her senses heightened.

Then, she moved.

Serena's scent shifted slightly, her energy spiking as if something inside her had awakened.

She was ready to fight.

Damian barely had a second to process before more figures emerged. Dozens.

Their inhuman nature became clear. The way they moved—the way their shadows twisted.

Crows.

Just like the one who attacked Serena back in their penthouse.

Damian didn't waste a second. In a flash, he lunged, grabbing the first intruder by the throat, squeezing tight until bones cracked under his grip.

But before he could finish him off—

Serena was already moving.

Like water itself, her body flowed into action, her speed and precision flawless.

She didn't hesitate. Didn't falter.

The way she fought—elegant but merciless—was unlike anything Damian had expected. He had known she was capable, but this? This was instinctual. Dangerous.

She was more than she let on.

His suspicions rooted deeper.

But now wasn't the time for questions.

More attackers flooded the deck, shadows twisting as they shifted forms. Feathers scattered through the air, the scent of blood and sea salt mixing as Serena and Damian fought side by side.

The guests had fled to safety, leaving the battle between them.

His grip on his next target tightened.

——-

The battle was nearly over.

Serena exhaled sharply, her fingers dripping with dark, inky blood as the last of the intruders collapsed before her. The chaos was dying down, the guests were safe, and the violent waves had settled—but something still felt wrong.

A sudden gust of wind sent a chill down her spine.

Then—a shift in the air.

Damian's voice almost reached her, a sharp warning on his lips—but it was too late.

The cruise lurched violently, harder than before, and Serena stumbled forward just as something slammed into the back of her head.

A sickening crack echoed in her skull. Stars burst before her eyes.

She turned, dazed, barely catching a glimpse of the low-level filth who dared attack her.

A sneer curled on her lips.

"Fool."

With one swift motion, she drove her claws into his chest, curling her fingers around his still-beating heart. His scream barely had time to leave his throat before she ripped it out, dropping his corpse without a second glance.

But something felt off.

Serena turned to check on Damian—only to find that he was gone.

Her chest tightened. She whipped her head around, scanning the ship. Nothing.

A heavy silence settled over the deck, the weather calming as if the chaos had never happened.

But Damian was nowhere in sight.

Her breath hitched as realization struck.

The ocean.

Without a second thought, without hesitation, without even thinking of the consequences—

Serena dived in.